Nattapong suggested that the Prime Minister invite Emmanuel Macron to visit Thailand before going to Cambodia. He warned that the high budget spent on the France trip should be justified by attracting private investment that enables Thailand to access the European Union and the OECD group, positioning the country as a bridge to ASEAN.
On 21 May 2026 GMT+7, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the People’s Party, commented on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul’s mission to France tonight. He said that while the trip to France is necessary from one perspective, such trips involve significant budget expenditures. He expressed a desire to see the Prime Minister adopt a correct strategic global role, focusing on making Thailand a cornerstone of ASEAN and a bridge connecting ASEAN to the European Union and OECD countries. This would elevate Thailand to a position of power and self-security to enhance its bargaining power. He added that Thailand must meet the standards set by the OECD, including eliminating bribery. The parliament has endorsed the Facilitation Act, which the Senate amended and returned, aiming to reduce, eliminate, and prevent bribery and streamline licensing processes, which are obstacles to foreign investors and Thai entrepreneurs. Once the law passes, he wants the Prime Minister to declare on the global stage and take serious action to reduce unnecessary regulations and promote transparency legislation. Many OECD countries already have similar laws, such as independent agency meeting records and business merger disclosures inaccessible to the public. The People's Party’s draft Information Act is intended to build global confidence.
Nattapong further said the Prime Minister should use this platform to create opportunities for other countries to act as support bases. Besides visiting France, this occasion should be used to invite French President Emmanuel Macron to make an official visit to Thailand first before his scheduled visit to Cambodia later this year. Hosting Macron in Thailand beforehand would foster better opportunities to resolve border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia and attract more foreign investors to Thailand. It would also draw quality investors to develop various sectors in Thailand, such as clean energy. The Prime Minister mentioned at the ASEAN Summit the desire to develop a Power Grid, and France is one of the countries with a low carbon energy share. Thus, the Prime Minister can leverage this France visit to advance energy transition projects. The People’s Party believes there is no need to borrow any money since energy structural transition can be funded by private investment. They question whether the initial 200 billion baht loan decree, embedded within a 400 billion baht package, contains hidden vested interests.